Publisher - China, Engineering & Materials Science

Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, Sage was founded in 1965 and is controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining its independence and mission indefinitely.

About the role

Reporting to the Vice President and General Manager, China, the Publisher will have responsibility for developing and growing Sage’s China-focused Engineering & Materials Science journal portfolio, including relevant areas of engineering, materials science, physical sciences, and related interdisciplinary fields. The role involves building Sage’s profile in China, identifying high-quality journal launch and partnership opportunities, and managing relationships with partner institutions, external editors, learned societies, and editorial boards.

A key focus will be developing a strong pipeline of China-based journal opportunities, including open access launches and strategically important hybrid titles. The Publisher will work closely with colleagues in the UK, China, and globally to ensure portfolio development supports Sage’s wider research strategy, commercial goals, and quality expectations. As the China program develops, the role may also support the growth of China-based editorial capability, including future publishing editor, managing editor, or in-house editorial roles aligned to the needs of the Engineering & Materials Science portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Identify journal launch and local Chinese partnership opportunities to achieve targets, confidently advising and leading on activities for new business acquisitions to grow a strong portfolio of Engineering & Materials Science partnership titles.
• Develop and execute editorial strategy on a significant portfolio of journals, actively managing and growing its quality, profile, market share, and financial performance in line with Sage’s strategy. This may include managing others in the team or being responsible for a significant subset of the journals program.
• Build and maintain positive relationships across Sage and with external partners, including learned societies, journal editors, and boards.
• Oversee the successful negotiation and renewal of contracts, providing guidance on financial decisions and approving draft contracts in accordance with defined parameters.
• Prepare and review profit and loss statements accurately, analyzing them in the context of Sage’s commercial requirements and the competitive environment.
• Conduct and present an annual China-market review for the Engineering & Materials Science program, identifying current and future market trends and recommending opportunities for growth as well as areas to manage potential risk.
• Provide resources to educate the wider editorial and marketing OA team on trends in the Chinese market, opportunities, and threats for their journals as Sage looks to grow publishing from the Chinese market across its global portfolio.
• Work with colleagues in the UK and globally to develop and implement projects to further Sage’s operational strategies and goals, ensuring successful delivery by agreed deadlines.
• Act as an ambassador for Sage within the STM industry in China, developing Sage’s status and reputation as an international publisher across its fields of strength in Engineering & Materials Science.
• Contribute to planning for future China-based editorial or technical expertise roles where needed to support portfolio growth, partnerships, and specialist editorial development.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in journals publishing in China.
• Experience launching international Chinese partner journals in Engineering, Materials Science, Physical Sciences, or related STM disciplines.
• Strong understanding of the engineering and materials science research environment in China, including opportunities for institutional partnerships, editorial network development, and strategically important journal launches.
• Financial acumen and sound commercial judgment, with a track record of profitable list development.
• Effective relationship management, communication, and interpersonal skills, including negotiation skills.
• Flexibility of thought and creativity to resolve complex problems, and an aptitude to drive new initiatives.
• Strategic awareness, including a detailed understanding of industry trends and best practice.
• Excellent project management and prioritization skills.
• Proficient in standard IT packages, including Microsoft Office.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Sage, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that is representative of all sections of society and to sustaining a culture that celebrates difference, encourages authenticity, and creates a deep sense of belonging. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, disability, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, or religion or belief. As a business and organization with an increasingly agile workforce, we're open to flexible working arrangements where appropriate.